What is the difference between a chive and a scallion

Chive stems are much narrower than scallion stems, which makes them a great option for garnishing. Green Onions vs. Scallions: What's the Difference? Chives vs. By Corey Williams Updated August 28, Save Pin FB More. Chives are popular atop deviled eggs, in omelettes and other brunch favorites, and in soups or salads.

They are also a delicious addition to soft cheeses, and can be stirred into soft butter as an alternative to garlic butter. Cook only briefly, and serve immediately, or the flavor will be lost. Chive flowers are beautiful, flavorful, and often overlooked in cooking.

Simply pull the flower petals off of the stems and sprinkle them onto your dish. Chive flowers have a slightly milder taste than the chive greens and add lovely color. When buying chives, look for plump, uniformly green stems with no brown spots or signs of wilting. When buying green onions and scallions, choose those with crisp, bright green tops and a firm white base.

They can be chopped or blended into small bits, which releases their oniony flavor. They work well as a garnish, think: a topping for a baked potato and sour cream or deviled eggs. But they also make great additions to salad dressings and dips. Green onions, on the other hand, can be enjoyed raw or cooked. The green ends of the green onion are similar in flavor to chives, and they can be used the same way.

The white part of green onions has a stronger onion flavor and can stand up to cooking much like a yellow or white onion. The whites make a good base for soups, stir-fries and sauces. Chives don't last long in the refrigerator after you bring them home from the grocery store.

It's best to use them within a day or two after you buy them. Green onions last longer than chives. When you bring them home from the store, they can last a week or more in the refrigerator.